In this lecture, Professor Ben Bikman delves into the metabolic aspects of female infertility, specifically focusing on the influence of insulin resistance. He begins by highlighting the high prevalence of infertility among women of reproductive age, with up to 15% affected globally, and particularly prevalent in regions with high rates of insulin resistance, such as Sub-Saharan Africa, South Asia, and the Middle East. Insulin resistance, a condition where cells become less responsive to insulin, plays a crucial role in female infertility. Dr. Bikman explains that insulin resistance manifests ..read more

In this Metabolic Classroom episode, Dr. Bikman delves into the intricate dynamics of fatty liver disease, a prevalent metabolic problem affecting millions worldwide. Describing the liver as the “soccer mom” of metabolism due to its involvement in various metabolic processes, Ben emphasizes the liver’s central role in nutrient metabolism, particularly in handling fats. Fatty liver disease, once primarily associated with alcohol consumption, has now become a widespread issue driven by metabolic factors. It progresses from simple fat accumulation to inflammation (non-alcoholic steatohepatitis o ..read more

In this lecture from the Metabolic Classroom, Dr. Ben Bikman, a biomedical scientist specializing in metabolism, delves into various strategies for fat loss. He begins by highlighting the importance of understanding fat tissue dynamics, focusing particularly on hormones, drugs, and sex-specific effects. The main topic for the lecture is strategies for fat loss, which Bikman divides into three categories: drugs, surgical interventions, and lifestyle changes. Bikman briefly revisits the topic of drugs for fat loss, emphasizing GLP-1 agonists and their mechanism of action in reducing cravings ..read more

In this episode of the metabolic classroom, Dr. Ben Bikman takes the helm to explore the multifaceted role of fat tissue as an endocrine organ. He begins by challenging the conventional view of fat tissue as merely a storage depot for energy, emphasizing its crucial role in hormone production and regulation. Dr. Bikman introduces the concept of endocrine organs and highlights the often overlooked status of fat tissue as one such organ. He discusses how fat tissue releases hormones into the bloodstream, exerting significant metabolic effects throughout the body. The lecture delves into sex-sp ..read more

In this episode of The Metabolic Classroom, Professor Ben Bikman, a biomedical scientist specializing in diabetes, metabolism, and fat tissue, delves deeper into the topic of fat tissue, focusing specifically on its storage locations and the factors influencing them. Dr. Bikman emphasizes the complexity and nuance of fat tissue beyond its commonly recognized role in energy storage, insulation, and cushioning, highlighting its function as an endocrine organ that produces various hormones and signals. Ben begins by discussing the enzyme lipoprotein lipase (LPL), which plays a crucial role in f ..read more

In this week's episode of the Metabolic Classroom, Dr. Bikman delves into the complexities of fat tissue. The lecture aims to shift perspectives on fat beyond mere energy storage, highlighting its multifaceted roles in the body. Dr. Bikman encourages listeners to not only absorb the information but also become teachers themselves, spreading these insights and implementing practical changes. The lecture begins with an exploration of the evolutionary role of fat, debunking misconceptions and emphasizing its importance in survival and early development. Dr. Bikman discusses theories like the exp ..read more

In this week's episode of the Metabolic Classroom, Dr. Ben Bikman welcomes viewers to a discussion on commonly used cardiometabolic and weight loss drugs. The focus of this particular lecture is on drugs targeting heart disease, a leading cause of mortality globally. Dr. Bikman acknowledges the controversy surrounding cardiovascular drugs due to the severity of heart disease and the passionate advocacy for drug therapies. The lecture begins with an overview of two main categories of cardiovascular drugs: those addressing blood pressure and those targeting cholesterol levels. Dr. Bikman explai ..read more

In today's lecture, Dr. Bikman guides his audience through a comprehensive exploration of anti-diabetic drugs, shedding light on their mechanisms, implications, and the broader context of diabetes management. Kicking off the discussion, Dr. Bikman elucidated the prevalent glucose-centric paradigm in understanding diabetes, emphasizing its limitations, particularly in discerning the nuanced differences between type 1 and type 2 diabetes. He underscored the pivotal role of insulin deficiency in type 1 and insulin resistance in type 2 diabetes, setting the stage for a deeper dive into the intrica ..read more

In today's episode of The Metabolic Classroom, Dr. Ben Bikman delves into the fascinating topic of GLP-1, a hormone of significant interest in metabolic research. Dr. Bikman sets the stage by expanding the discussion beyond GLP-1 to include other incretions, defining them as a class of hormones produced by the small intestine. These hormones play crucial roles in nutrient metabolism, satiety, and hunger regulation. The discovery of incretions stemmed from observations following gastric bypass surgeries, where elevated levels of these hormones were found in the bloodstream, leading to improvem ..read more

Beginning with a discussion on the evolution of these medications, Dr. Bikman emphasizes their significance in combating obesity-related health issues. He proceeds to analyze the mechanisms of popular weight loss drugs, such as Orlistat, Phentermine, and the combination of Phentermine with Topiramate, elucidating how each functions to aid weight loss. While highlighting the benefits, Dr. Bikman doesn’t shy away from detailing the potential side effects, ensuring a comprehensive understanding for the audience. Moreover, he shares an intriguing scientific fact regarding lactate’s role in fat me ..read more